slip
24 synonyms for slip, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Verb — To lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally.
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Synonyms by Meaning
1. verb
To lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally.
“Be careful not to slip on the icy steps outside the front door.”
How to use slip
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
slip and fall
slip up
a slip of paper
a slip of the tongue
let something slip
Etymology
Probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German "slippe," a word linked to the idea of splitting or cutting away — the sense of a small detached piece.
Full origin of slip →Frequently asked questions
What does “slip” mean?
The word “slip” means to lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally. In plain terms, to lose footing/control suddenly, to move somewhere unnoticed, or (as a noun) a small paper form or a minor error.
How do you pronounce “slip”?
“Slip” is pronounced SLIHP (/ˈslɪp/ in IPA).
How do you use “slip” in a sentence?
Here is “slip” used in a sentence: “She slipped on the wet tile and nearly fell.”
What part of speech is “slip”?
Depending on how it is used, “slip” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “slip” come from?
The word “slip” comes from German. Probably from Middle Dutch or Middle Low German "slippe," a word linked to the idea of splitting or cutting away — the sense of a small detached piece.
Is “slip” a common word?
“Slip” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
How many meanings does “slip” have?
“Slip” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to lose one's footing or grip and slide accidentally.
What is the difference between slip and trip?
To slip is to lose your footing or grip and slide accidentally, usually on a smooth or wet surface. To trip is to catch your foot on something and stumble. Slipping involves sliding, while tripping involves an obstacle.
What is the difference between slip and slide?
To slip is usually an accidental loss of footing that happens suddenly and unintentionally. To slide is to move smoothly across a surface, which can be deliberate or accidental. A slip is a mishap, whereas a slide can be controlled.
